Konoha, Year 41. Undercurrents surged through the shinobi world as friction between the Great Hidden Villages intensified.
Hiruzen Sarutobi—the reigning Third Hokage and current Principal of the Ninja Academy—was inspecting the school grounds, accompanied by his advisor, Koharu Utatane.
Standing in the office and peering through the slats of the window blinds at the "little brats" on the training field, Hiruzen sighed with nostalgia. "Back then, before the Second Lord passed, he personally appointed me as the Third Hokage.
That same year, I took over as Principal of this Academy. For over a decade, the weight of this responsibility has cost me many a night's sleep. Fortunately, I haven't failed the Second Lord's expectations. I've managed to achieve... a little something."
He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Under my watch, the Academy has produced the likes of Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Minato, and Kakashi. Exceptional youth are the future of a village. The role of the Academy Principal is a heavy burden, indeed."
Seeing the Hokage lost in reminiscence, the Academy instructor, Murakami Jingning, knew exactly when to lean in with a well-timed flatter.
"The Hokage's achievements are, of course, legendary. Your students, the Sannin, stood their ground against Hanzo the Salamander years ago and have now become pillars of strength.
As for Minato-san, attaining the rank of Jonin just a few years after graduation speaks of a limitless future. With your brilliant leadership over Konoha and the Academy, prosperity is inevitable."
Flattery costs nothing, and Jingning was paying in full.
"Haha, I've only done a bit of minor work," Hiruzen chuckled, waving a hand in self-deprecation. Then, as if struck by a thought, he asked, "Since Kakashi graduated, has the Academy seen any other geniuses emerge?"
"This..."
Jingning faltered, the words catching in his throat.
Were there talented kids in the Academy? Certainly, Konoha never suffered from a shortage of bright young sparks. But look at the names the Hokage had just dropped: The Sannin, Minato Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake...
Aside from Jiraiya, every single one of them had displayed transcendent talent since childhood, their potential visible to the naked eye. Comparisons were odious; if your superior just set the bar at "once-in-a-generation genius," whoever you brought up next better not fall too far short.
"Sigh."
Hiruzen let out a breath, a flash of disappointment crossing his eyes. "Perhaps I am being too greedy. Exceptional young men like Minato and Kakashi are blessings that appear maybe once a decade. The oldest students currently in the Academy are likely no older than Kakashi himself."
Jingning read between the lines perfectly: These kids are theoretically Kakashi's peers. Kakashi graduated after one year, while they're still grinding away in school. How could they possibly compare?
The verdict was clear.
A sense of professional crisis gripped Jingning. As an instructor, his primary duty was to discover and nurture the village's future.
While geniuses couldn't be summoned at will, the Third Hokage had a point: When I was in charge of education, I found the Sannin and Minato. Why is the quality dropping under your watch?
Gritting his teeth, Jingning took the plunge. "Geniuses on par with the Sannin are, of course, rare. However, my years as an instructor haven't been for nothing. I have discovered one exceptional youth. He is, in fact, from Kakashi's year."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen's curiosity was piqued. He pondered for a moment before saying, "A peer of Kakashi's still in the Academy? I'd like to see him."
"He is the 'late bloomer' type of talent," Jingning added quickly—when in doubt, call them a late bloomer. He pulled open the blinds and pointed toward a corner of the playground. "Look there, Lord Hokage. That young man dancing—that is the teenage genius I wish to introduce."
Hiruzen and Koharu followed his finger. Beneath the shade of a tree, a black-haired boy of about seven or eight was surrounded by a dozen children. He was performing a dance that, while unrecognizable, possessed a powerful visual impact.
The crowd consisted mostly of young girls, their eyes sparkling with adoration as they squealed: "Mai-Elder brother is so cool!" "Mai-Elder brother, do the Moonwalk again!~"
At a glance, Hiruzen believed Jingning's words. This black-haired kid was undoubtedly a rare talent.
Even if he was eight and hadn't graduated, even if he wasn't even a Genin yet, even if his peer Kakashi was already a Chunin—he was definitely a genius who wouldn't lose to Kakashi.
The reason was simple: the kid was far too handsome. Words like "refined features" or "fair-skinned" didn't do justice to the boy's beauty. He was significantly better looking than Kakashi, Minato, or even Sasuke would have been at that age.
When a person looks that good, it's hard to believe their talent is mediocre.
In the history of the Academy, the geniuses who became famous young all had one thing in common: they were good-looking. Orochimaru, Minato, Kakashi...
This must be a late-bloomer talent!
"What is the boy's name?" Koharu asked.
"Uchiha Mai."
Seeing their reactions, Jingning knew his gamble had paid off. As expected, no one could say no to that face. He let out a secret sigh of relief; he'd managed to bluff his way through.
"Uchiha..." Hiruzen murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sensed an anomaly.
When the Academy was first established, the great clans didn't think much of it. Their most elite youth were kept within the clans for private tutoring. Even today, the Uchiha and Hyuga maintained this habit.
If this Uchiha Mai was as incredible as the teacher claimed, why was he sent to the Academy?
"Then I shall have to see what he can do," Hiruzen said with a smile.
Jingning's heart began to race. Why do you need to 'see' what he can do? Isn't that face convincing enough?
"What is it? You seem nervous," Hiruzen remarked, glancing at him.
"Not at all."
Jingning wiped the cold sweat from his brow. He couldn't exactly admit that Uchiha Mai was just a "silver-headed wax spear"—all flash and no substance.
He absolutely could not.
"I will arrange a sparring match immediately," Jingning said.
Hiruzen nodded, signaling him to proceed. Nothing proved a shinobi's worth like strength, and nothing showcased strength like a duel.
Filled with trepidation, Jingning walked out of the office, praying silently that Uchiha Mai would show some spine—or at least provide some tiny spark of talent that he could shamelessly exaggerate.
Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!
A sharp whistle pierced the air. Jingning lowered the whistle and barked, "Free time is over! Everyone, fall in!"
*I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews (leave a review/comment!)
*One bonus chapter will be released for every 50 Power Stones.
*Read 60+ chapters ahead on P@treon: patreon.com/MasterStudios(Luffy Pfp)